My conversation with Steffen focusses on how he came to be interested in self-organization as a founder of a SaaS company and consequently going all-in and transforming the company.
The central theme is Steffen's journey to consciously work on and transform company culture.
He highlights the shift in his leadership approach, including breaking up the company's functional silos into cross-functional teams, and the challenges faced in delegating power and fostering intrinsic motivation among employees.
Steffen also openly reflects on his internal struggles and insecurities, touching on personal crises, therapy, and the impact of ego and extrinsic validation.
We explored how his day-to-day work evolved, his relationships with employees, and the creation of a more authentic and motivating work environment.
We concluded with a broader reflection on how these transformations in the workplace parallel changes in other areas of his life, including parenting.
I’ve known Steffen for 7 years. We worked together for 2 of them, after he hired me at the beginning of the company transformation. I still remember on my very first day helping to rearrange desks because all teams were reshuffled from functional into cross-functional teams.
I have very fond memories of these two years. Not only did I refine my thinking around organizational design during that time which eventually turned into the nine org key practices that my online course is built on, but I also formed many lasting relationships with people I care about. And for that I am very grateful.
I appreciate Steffen for his seemingly insatiable hunger for learning and growth and I admire his courage for making bold moves with uncertain outcomes.
You can find Steffen at thriveculture.com/
And if you want to find out more about me, you can do so at newworkbydesign.com
Music by audionautix.com